During the afternoon of 8th March 1943 this No.1613 Target Towing Flight aircraft was flown on what the unit records state was a "Silent Co-Operation" with an anti-aircraft battery in the Hull area. While returning to Driffield airfield after 110 minutes flying the aircraft ran out of fuel. The pilot made a successful forced landing at what was described as being at "Wiley Cross" without damage. Fuel was despatched to the aircraft and it was flown back to base at Driffield. The location was probably Warley Cross which is around a mile north of Brandesburton. This unit disbanded and became part of No.291 Squadron when it formed on 1st December 1943, the pilot became its commanding officer and was awarded the Air Fore Cross in January 1944.
Pilot - F/Lt John Donald Benson RAF (48942).
Drogue Operator - Possibly none.
Tiger Moth T6809 was built to contract 20916/39 by Morris Motors Ltd. at Cowley and was delivered to 46 MU at Lossiemouth on 15th October 1941. On 29th February 1942 it was taken on charge by 'N' Flight of No.1 Anti Aircraft Co-Operation Unit at West Hartlepool. On 1st November 1942 the unit was redesignated No.1613 Flight and was still based at West Hartlepool until 20th February 1943 when it moved to Driffield. On 8th March 1943 it was force landed out of fuel at "Wiley Cross" / Warley Cross. No damage resulted and it was returned to the unit at Driffield. On 13th July 1943 the unit moved to Hutton Cranswick. On 1st December 1943 1613 Flight amalgamated with other flights to form 291 Squadron at Hutton Cranswick and this aircraft remained with the unit at Hutton Cranswick until 10th May 1945. It was then flown to No.12 M.U. at Kirkbride for long term storage and disposal. On 5th April 1951 the aircraft was sold to Air Navigation and Trading Co. Ltd. at Squires Gate but never appeared on the civilian register. It was last noted at Squires Gate in January 1954.
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